Parental/Student Introduction: This class explores mainly American authors along with their impression of the world during their time, and the direction they feared it may be heading. This class follows the guidelines of the College Board which administers the Advanced Placement Language and Composition Exam. Furthermore, the class will work in chronological order and be matched up to A.P. Government whenever possible. Furthermore, the non-fiction nature of the course will help prepare students for A.P. U.S. History.
AP Language vs Honors English: The majority of the students placed in A.P. Language were placed due to PSAT scores from the previous year. The goal of the class is to prepare, take, and pass the A.P. Language exam in May; furthermore, the curriculum has been revised to align with A.P. U.S. History with hopes of improving not only the understanding of what it means to be an American, but to increase every student's chance of passing both exams (AP Language in junior year; AP History in senior year). Also, AP Language does not mean MORE work than Honors; it means different work than Honors. Honors will follow a traditional curriculum in preparation for either AP Literature, Cincinnati State College English, or a senior elective. The object of AP Language is to take and pass the AP Language exam, study and prepare for the PSAT in pursuit of National Merit Honors, and then proceed to AP Literature. AP Language will also explore the art of rhetoric and the history of the English language.
Course Description: This Advanced Placement Course follows the national guidelines set down by College Board and developed by the Fairfield English Department. The class will work closely with A.P. U.S. history and A.P. Government.
Material Needed: It is recommended that each student have a three-ring binder with pockets for this class. Each student must keep all material graded and returned to them until the end of semester. This serves two purposes: first, it is proof of grade in case of computer glitch or clerical error on instructor’s part. Secondly, every item discussed in class over the course of the year is all to prepare for the A.P. Language exam. I am not particular on a notebook/folder. Most students work will be stored electronically.
Grading System: The class has a simple point system. There will be reading quizzes, participation grades, vocabulary tests, and essays. Students will receive 3-5 grades per week; attendance is vital. Parents! Your student will have his/her grades posted on-line daily. You can follow his/her progress constantly. Feel free to email me anytime concerning anything.
Discipline: Electronics and tardy issues will be covered in the rules.
Parental Contact: I have an email address and a wiki page. I answer email once, if not twice a day. If you are concerned about your child I encourage email, and if the Internet is unavailable feel free to send a note or give me a phone call. Email is the most convenient, for both parties do not have to be available at the same time to communicate. My students always know their grades. I believe the parent and the student should always know where they stand. Twitter messenger is also a great way to contact me.
Scope of Material: See the syllabus posted below.
Classroom Procedure: Being a course that prepares students to pass a college test, this class will push the student to excel in writing, rhetoric, and reasoning.
Pool of Novels (I hope to provide all novels) :
*18th Century and back*
Macbeth - William Shakespeare(Could be purged 17-18)
Gulliver's Travels - Jonathan Swift
Founding Fathers Documents
Dr. Samuel Johnson
*19th Century*
Walden - Henry David Thoreau
Leaves of Grass - Walt Whitman
Civil Disobedience - Henry David Thoreau
Self-Reliance - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Mark Twain
*20th Century*
Brave New World - Aldous Huxley
On the Road - Jack Kerouac
1984 - George Orwell
The Old Man and the Sea - Ernest Hemingway
Autobiography of Malcolm X -Alex Haley
Angela's Ashes - Frank McCourt
The Glass Menagerie - Tennessee Williams
Into the Wild - John Krakauer
Travels with Charlie -John Steinbeck
Winston Churchill
*21st Century*
Thomson Reader
Ameritopia 2075 - Corey L. Simmins (for those who dare!)
Book of LOFI - Corey L. Simmins (for those who dare!)
Warning!: In the process of developing literature’s greatest class, saving the world, solving Earth’s problems, becoming a mountain climber and pseudo astronomer, composing novels, and maintaining my secret identity, I sometimes have a mental lapse between my frontal lobe and typing hand. Any typo must be construed as purposeful, a faux pas, or God’s will. I am partial to the latter.
CLASS RULES FOR MR. SIMMINS (Revised 2016)
Class will consist of the following: . A) Close ReadingStudents are expected to "close read" nearly every article given to them throughout the course of the school year. Also, each student received two novels that will be "close read." This skill is indispensable for college success and critical for comprehension. Grades are given frequently in an attempt to master this skill.
. B) End of Novel EssaysThere could be a “college essay” test given at the end of some novels. These are geared to prepare students for post-secondary education.
. C) Participation GradeQuite frequently participation grades will be given, such as: when watching an educational film, taking notes through lecture or PowerPoint presentation, or reading in class. Unauthorized phone usage will earn a zero.
. D) QuizzesQuizzes will usually be given after material is read in class or read at home. All quizzes will be scheduled. This includes vocabulary and reading quizzes. Any phone usage during a quiz will result in a zero--no matter if the student has finished.
. E) TestsAll tests are announced and cover all the material discussed in class-especially material presented upon the Smartboard. Tests consist of fill in the blanks, multiple choice, open-ended questions, open-response, and essays. Any phone usage during a test will result in a zero--no matter if the student has finished. Many tests are "formative" in nature and scores are curved.
. F) ELECTRONIC DEVICES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! When electronic devices are used without permission, a ZERO will be given for the day. The wise student places the phone or electronic device on the hard drive of the computer face down. Constant correction will result in the phone being taken. Head phones: If I see headphones in the ear or around the neck, I will take the headphones till the end of class (like the phone) and a zero will be given for the day.
. My Policy on.......
1) Make up work:If you are absent, it will be yourresponsibility to find out what we did during your absence. If there was an assignment given, ask me for the assignment. Rules for make up work are the same as the school rules in the agenda. Feel free to email or Tweet me when out sick.
. 2) Missing a quiz or a test:If you are absent during a quiz or test, you will be expected to make up the quiz or test when you return. It will be your responsibility to ask to make up the quiz or test.
. 3) Handing in assignments:I will not accept late assignments.If you do not have your assignments with you when it is due, it will be counted as a zero. An assignment handed in at the end of the day will be counted as a half credit. Hall passes to one’s locker to get an assignment will not be given. If you are absent the day of the assignment, it will be due the next day the class meets.
. 4) Grades:All grades given are based on points. All points are simply added up, and then divided by the maximum number. Tests, quizzes and papers are worth the most.
. 5) Extra Credit: A minimum of extra credit is given. Usually, extra credit is spontaneous.
. 6) Cheating:Cheating, such as copying homework, looking at another student’s paper during a test or quiz, using a “cheat sheet,” giving answers to other students, plagiarism, including sharing homework with one another, will result in a zero for the students involved. “Texting” during a quiz will be considered cheating; this includes texting when you are finished with your test and other students are not finished.
. 7) Tardies:Any time a student is late for class it will be recorded in the teacher’s log. Students lose participation points for every tardy. Habitual tardiness will be dealt with using discipline. Tardiness is defined as not being in the room when the bell rings.
. 8) Disrespectfulness:Any actions such as profanity or any other form of disrespectfulness to the teacher or fellow student will result in being held after class, immediate disciplinary referral, or sent to the principal--depending on the severity of the act. Sleeping applies here!
. 9) Restroom Breaks:When it comes to restroom breaks, I am aware that at times one must be granted a pass during class. If this occurs, students will lose participation points.
. 10) Sleeping:There is no sleeping in class. Sleeping is defined as putting one’s head down on the desk with or without the eyes open. You can not focus lying down. This is Advanced Placement; therefore, this rule should be superfluous.
. 11) Phones:These will sometimes be used in class for various exercises. Unauthorized phone usage during class, films, or lectures will result in a zero participation grade for the day. Phone usage during quiz or test, will be a zero on the assignment, and phone could be sent to the office; this will result in school disciplinary action. LEARN: there is a time and place. By placing phones upon the desk top computer, a student guarantees full credit. Students are not to enter the class using their phones, nor are they to stand in front of the door on their phone. Abuse of phones in class will result in classroom phone “timeout.”
. 12) Purses: All purses are to be located on the floor under the chair or desk.
. 13) Computers: These new computers are EGGS; treat them like eggs. Furthermore, the desktop computers are a privilege not a right. Technological shenanigans will result in loss of participation grade. Repeated computer violations will result in banishment of computer privileges. . 14) Needed for class: . a) Gmail using first and last name for identification purposes. This allows usage of Google Drive for work. . b) Diigo account with first and last name for identification purposes. This allows for on-line bookmarking . c) Twitter account. This allows for class news to be transmitted and class appropriate material. Also for research.
www.fairfieldcityschools.com
simmins_c@fairfield-city.k12.oh.us
Coreysimmins@gmail.com
SYLLABUS (Revised 2017)
Parental/Student Introduction: This class explores mainly American authors along with their impression of the world during their time, and the direction they feared it may be heading. This class follows the guidelines of the College Board which administers the Advanced Placement Language and Composition Exam. Furthermore, the class will work in chronological order and be matched up to A.P. Government whenever possible. Furthermore, the non-fiction nature of the course will help prepare students for A.P. U.S. History.
AP Language vs Honors English: The majority of the students placed in A.P. Language were placed due to PSAT scores from the previous year. The goal of the class is to prepare, take, and pass the A.P. Language exam in May; furthermore, the curriculum has been revised to align with A.P. U.S. History with hopes of improving not only the understanding of what it means to be an American, but to increase every student's chance of passing both exams (AP Language in junior year; AP History in senior year). Also, AP Language does not mean MORE work than Honors; it means different work than Honors. Honors will follow a traditional curriculum in preparation for either AP Literature, Cincinnati State College English, or a senior elective. The object of AP Language is to take and pass the AP Language exam, study and prepare for the PSAT in pursuit of National Merit Honors, and then proceed to AP Literature. AP Language will also explore the art of rhetoric and the history of the English language.
Course Description: This Advanced Placement Course follows the national guidelines set down by College Board and developed by the Fairfield English Department. The class will work closely with A.P. U.S. history and A.P. Government.
Material Needed: It is recommended that each student have a three-ring binder with pockets for this class. Each student must keep all material graded and returned to them until the end of semester. This serves two purposes: first, it is proof of grade in case of computer glitch or clerical error on instructor’s part. Secondly, every item discussed in class over the course of the year is all to prepare for the A.P. Language exam. I am not particular on a notebook/folder. Most students work will be stored electronically.
Grading System: The class has a simple point system. There will be reading quizzes, participation grades, vocabulary tests, and essays. Students will receive 3-5 grades per week; attendance is vital. Parents! Your student will have his/her grades posted on-line daily. You can follow his/her progress constantly. Feel free to email me anytime concerning anything.
Discipline: Electronics and tardy issues will be covered in the rules.
Parental Contact: I have an email address and a wiki page. I answer email once, if not twice a day. If you are concerned about your child I encourage email, and if the Internet is unavailable feel free to send a note or give me a phone call. Email is the most convenient, for both parties do not have to be available at the same time to communicate. My students always know their grades. I believe the parent and the student should always know where they stand. Twitter messenger is also a great way to contact me.
Scope of Material: See the syllabus posted below.
Classroom Procedure: Being a course that prepares students to pass a college test, this class will push the student to excel in writing, rhetoric, and reasoning.
Pool of Novels (I hope to provide all novels) :
*18th Century and back*
*19th Century*
*20th Century*
*21st Century*
Warning!: In the process of developing literature’s greatest class, saving the world, solving Earth’s problems, becoming a mountain climber and pseudo astronomer, composing novels, and maintaining my secret identity, I sometimes have a mental lapse between my frontal lobe and typing hand. Any typo must be construed as purposeful, a faux pas, or God’s will. I am partial to the latter.
CLASS RULES FOR MR. SIMMINS (Revised 2016)
Class will consist of the following:
.
A) Close Reading Students are expected to "close read" nearly every article given to them throughout the course of the school year. Also, each student received two novels that will be "close read." This skill is indispensable for college success and critical for comprehension. Grades are given frequently in an attempt to master this skill.
.
B) End of Novel Essays There could be a “college essay” test given at the end of some novels. These are geared to prepare students for post-secondary education.
.
C) Participation Grade Quite frequently participation grades will be given, such as: when watching an educational film, taking notes through lecture or PowerPoint presentation, or reading in class. Unauthorized phone usage will earn a zero.
.
D) Quizzes Quizzes will usually be given after material is read in class or read at home. All quizzes will be scheduled. This includes vocabulary and reading quizzes. Any phone usage during a quiz will result in a zero--no matter if the student has finished.
.
E) Tests All tests are announced and cover all the material discussed in class-especially material presented upon the Smartboard. Tests consist of fill in the blanks, multiple choice, open-ended questions, open-response, and essays. Any phone usage during a test will result in a zero--no matter if the student has finished. Many tests are "formative" in nature and scores are curved.
.
F) ELECTRONIC DEVICES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! When electronic devices are used without permission, a ZERO will be given for the day. The wise student places the phone or electronic device on the hard drive of the computer face down. Constant correction will result in the phone being taken. Head phones: If I see headphones in the ear or around the neck, I will take the headphones till the end of class (like the phone) and a zero will be given for the day.
.
My Policy on.......
1) Make up work: If you are absent, it will be your responsibility to find out what we did during your absence. If there was an assignment given, ask me for the assignment. Rules for make up work are the same as the school rules in the agenda. Feel free to email or Tweet me when out sick.
.
2) Missing a quiz or a test: If you are absent during a quiz or test, you will be expected to make up the quiz or test when you return. It will be your responsibility to ask to make up the quiz or test.
.
3) Handing in assignments: I will not accept late assignments. If you do not have your assignments with you when it is due, it will be counted as a zero. An assignment handed in at the end of the day will be counted as a half credit. Hall passes to one’s locker to get an assignment will not be given. If you are absent the day of the assignment, it will be due the next day the class meets.
.
4) Grades: All grades given are based on points. All points are simply added up, and then divided by the maximum number. Tests, quizzes and papers are worth the most.
.
5) Extra Credit: A minimum of extra credit is given. Usually, extra credit is spontaneous.
.
6) Cheating: Cheating, such as copying homework, looking at another student’s paper during a test or quiz, using a “cheat sheet,” giving answers to other students, plagiarism, including sharing homework with one another, will result in a zero for the students involved. “Texting” during a quiz will be considered cheating; this includes texting when you are finished with your test and other students are not finished.
.
7) Tardies: Any time a student is late for class it will be recorded in the teacher’s log. Students lose participation points for every tardy. Habitual tardiness will be dealt with using discipline. Tardiness is defined as not being in the room when the bell rings.
.
8) Disrespectfulness: Any actions such as profanity or any other form of disrespectfulness to the teacher or fellow student will result in being held after class, immediate disciplinary referral, or sent to the principal--depending on the severity of the act. Sleeping applies here!
.
9) Restroom Breaks: When it comes to restroom breaks, I am aware that at times one must be granted a pass during class. If this occurs, students will lose participation points.
.
10) Sleeping: There is no sleeping in class. Sleeping is defined as putting one’s head down on the desk with or without the eyes open. You can not focus lying down. This is Advanced Placement; therefore, this rule should be superfluous.
.
11) Phones: These will sometimes be used in class for various exercises. Unauthorized phone usage during class, films, or lectures will result in a zero participation grade for the day. Phone usage during quiz or test, will be a zero on the assignment, and phone could be sent to the office; this will result in school disciplinary action. LEARN: there is a time and place. By placing phones upon the desk top computer, a student guarantees full credit. Students are not to enter the class using their phones, nor are they to stand in front of the door on their phone. Abuse of phones in class will result in classroom phone “timeout.”
.
12) Purses: All purses are to be located on the floor under the chair or desk.
.
13) Computers: These new computers are EGGS; treat them like eggs. Furthermore, the desktop computers are a privilege not a right. Technological shenanigans will result in loss of participation grade. Repeated computer violations will result in banishment of computer privileges.
.
14) Needed for class:
.
a) Gmail using first and last name for identification purposes. This allows usage of Google Drive for work.
.
b) Diigo account with first and last name for identification purposes. This allows for on-line bookmarking
.
c) Twitter account. This allows for class news to be transmitted and class appropriate material. Also for research.